Transatlantic flights delayed by freak weather - there's no tailwind

Lack of a tailwind - or jetstream - over the Atlantic meant hundreds of transatlantic flights were delayed, stopping most others from arriving and departing on time.

Just one out of nearly 300 flights from all terminals departed on time from 7.15am to mid-morning.

President George Bush and his wife Laura will land at Heathrow on Air Force One tomorrow. Their visit is set to cause chaos at the world's busiest airport.

Three-quarters of planes coming in from 8am to 2pm were delayed, leaving families and friends crowded around arrivals screens for up to two hours waiting for passengers to land.

Forecasters warned the unusual weather is set to continue into Monday, threatening misery for many flying this weekend.

Concerns have already been raised over delays and cancellations expected because of massive security for the arrival of President Bush and his fleet of planes tomorrow.

Yesterday afternoon, eight planes due to take off were delayed by a 'dry-run' arrival and departure by helicopters at a remote part of the airport in preparation for the visit.

BAA, which runs Heathrow, denied the preparations had exacerbated delays caused by the weather and refused to discuss security for Mr Bush's visit.

Last night a police source said: 'There is no way the president will be delayed. These things work like a well-oiled machine but I have no idea what effect his arrival will have on other flights.'

Met Office forecaster Barry Grommett said: 'During the weekend most of the strong Atlantic winds are blowing north to south, that is what is causing most of the problems.'

Richard Wright, for National Air Traffic Services, added: 'Eastbound flights across the Atlantic are very dependent on a good tailwind to make good time.

'Because long- distance flights were arriving late, others have been backed-up and getting away later.

'Hopefully the problems over the weekend will be less because the number of long- distance flights inbound is less than the week. But there is a chance the weather will continue to delay some arrivals.'

Oxfordshire-born Kathleen Majdalani, 61, visiting from her new home in Wisconsin, said: 'We were late already, we circled for about 15 minutes, then it took another 15 minutes to disembark. It was ridiculous. My friends were waiting for an hour for me.'

It is believed the U.S. President refused to fly into a military base and demanded to land at Heathrow, which is still battling to restore its reputation after the chaotic opening of Terminal Five.

The arrival of his planes - 747s Air Force One and Two, a smaller 757 and four helicopters - is expected to cut arrivals of other flights from 42 to 24 for an hour before he touches down.

The restrictions will then be gradually lifted, although experts predict the knock-on effect will last for up to six hours.